Lymphatic Research Foundation Walk A Great Success

Sept. 23, 2012 - PRLog -- Glen Cove, NY, September 24, 2012 – Walkers for the Lymphatic Research Foundation began to gather well before the 10am start time on Saturday, September 15, at Eisenhower Park. Enthusiastic attendees took time to buy t-shirts and bracelets to show their support, to buy raffles tickets for some great prizes, and to visit sponsor tables.

The walk began at about 11am following addresses by LRF Executive Director William Repicci, Long Island Legislator David Denenberg, and Community Relations and Outreach Coordinator for North Shore LIJ Health System Patrick Mack. Legislator Denenberg presented LRF with a Citation, on behalf of the Nassau County Legislature and on behalf of the people of the 19th Legislative District, in recognition of the Foundation’s work in providing exemplary service to the people and the communities of Nassau County.

This portion of the day’s program concluded with moving words from Melanie Chaite. Melanie’s mother Wendy founded LRF in 1998 as the family searched for answers when Melanie was born with systemic lymphatic disease and lymphedema. Melanie, a sophomore at New York University, is now a powerful advocate for LRF and for lymphatic research in her own right. First-time walker and New Jersey resident Kathleen Farrell said that hearing Melanie speak made her realize “just how important this research is for real people who struggle every day with these diseases.” One lymphedema patient, who attended the Walk with her lymphedema support group, said that Melanie’s struggles and determination to secure more funding for research moved the group to tears.

Following these addresses, the crowd moved to the starting line where the ribbon was cut by William Repicci, Patrick Mack, Melanie Chaite, and Mamie Frank – a lymphatic disease patient who recently held her own highly successful fundraiser for LRF. Supporters were also pleased to see that New York State Senator Kemp Hannon (6th District, New York, Central Nassau County) had turned out in support of their efforts at the Walk. “It was my great pleasure to join with the Lymphatic Research Foundation's walk in Eisenhower Park,” the Senator said, “and I fully support their efforts to find the cause of and cure for lymphatic dis¬eases, lymphedema, and related disorders."

“This year we broke records in terms of fundraising,” said Executive Director William Repicci, “but this event is equally about empowering a community of those who support our mission. Lymphedema and lymphatic diseases are too often overlooked. To see hundreds of people rallying in support of more research into these often mysterious illnesses was inspiring and just as important as the fundraising.”

After a beautiful walk through Eisenhower Park, most participants stayed to talk with other walkers, to visit sponsor tables, and to see if they’d won any raffle prizes. The group also enjoyed performances by Vision Music & Entertainment Live Keyboardist and DJ Joe De Piola, Students Rockin’ For A Reason (featuring Ellipsis), and the Roslyn High School Marching Band.

There is still time to make a donation to LRF and to the Walk. Donations are easy and safe to make at www.walklrf.org.

About The Lymphatic Research Foundation
The Lymphatic Research Foundation (LRF) is an internationally recognized 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization established in 1998 by attorney Wendy Chaite whose first child was born with systemic lymphatic disease and lymphedema. Her vision became LRF’s mission: To advance research of the lymphatic system and to find improved treatments and cures for lymphatic diseases, lymphedema, and related disorders.

LRF’s focus is to increase public awareness of the lymphatic system and its critical importance in human health and disease and to increase funding for lymphatic research. Our collaborations and partnerships with the scientific and medical research communities and with government, academia, and industry are accelerating research and helping to make progress not only in lymphatic science, but in the closely related areas of immunology, cancer metastasis, obesity, digestive disorders, and more. LRF’s efforts give lymphedema and lymphatic disease patients a voice and a vision for a more hopeful, healthful future.

For more information about lymphatic disease or the Lymphatic Research Foundation, please visit www.lymphaticresearch.org or call (516) 625-9675.